Mr Venn had blocked pellets with his hand after climbing from the car to face Barrett, the jury heard.

Mr and Mrs Venn were treated by paramedics at the scene but had to be taken to hospital due to the severe injuries they had received.

Barrett, of High Street in Nordelph, Norfolk, was arrested by firearms officers and the shotgun was recovered.

He was also found guilty of possession of a firearm with intent to cause serious harm.

In court, Barrett said he had begged his neighbours not to have the mastiff-rottweiler because his wife was "petrified".

The Venns' decision to keep the dog - which came from an animal rescue centre and had been "treated cruelly" - "destroyed" the couple's close relationship "overnight", jurors were told.

Detective Sergeant Jason Davis, who led the investigation, said it was "down to luck" that Mr and Mrs Venn survived the attack.

He said: "This case involved a neighbourhood dispute that got completely out of hand.

"It culminated in Barrett waiting in Mr and Mrs Venn's driveway with a loaded shotgun he had taken to the scene, and then attempting to shoot David Venn in the face at almost point blank range.

"It is extremely fortunate that Mr Venn was able to successfully take evasive action, else the injuries he suffered could have been far worse.

"It is down to luck that both Mr and Mrs Venn survived this attack. Irrespective of his views about the dispute he may have had with his neighbours, there can be no justification whatsoever for Barrett resorting to the level of violence he did in this case."